Detectives began investigating the case in early May after receiving information from the state Department of Children and Family Services and a local child advocacy organization, the news release said.

McCauley is also accused of taking photographs of the girl, who is now 13, the news release said.

Detectives executed a search warrant at McCauley’s home on Friday.

Cigarette suspected in 8-apartment blaze

LAFAYETTE - An improperly discarded cigarette is the likely cause of a Friday afternoon fire that destroyed eight apartments at Wimbledon Apartments, the Lafayette Fire Department said in a news release.

The fire originated on a recliner-type chair on the patio of Building I, according to the news release.

The fire occurred at 5:39 p.m. and involved two apartment buildings, each containing four separate units, at 5000 W. Congress St., said Alton Trahan, spokesman for the Fire Department, in an email.

Both buildings were destroyed and eight families were displaced, Trahan said.

City firefighters and parish volunteers responded to the incident. There were no injuries, Trahan said.

The fire was determined to be accidental, Trahan said.

Troop I to show how to install child seats

LAFAYETTE - State Police Troop I will begin checking child-safety seats for proper installation from 8 a.m. until noon on Wednesdays at Troop I, 121 E. Pont Des Mouton, according to a news release.

Troopers certified as child-seat technicians will show parents and caregivers how to properly install child seats, the news release said. While it is preferred that the child is present for the installation, it is not required. Seat installations also will be done for parents expecting the birth of a child.

People who cannot make it to the event may call (337) 262-1917 to schedule an appointment.

This is a free service, and no one who arrives at the troop to have the child seat checked will receive a citation for not having it properly installed, the news release said.